Anyone use IMR 4831?

slowr1der · April 27, 2010, 10:31 AM

Does anyone use IMR 4831? I almost never see it mentioned on here or anywhere else online. Is it not a good powder? Or is there a reason people don't usually talk about it? It's the first powder I've tried and am after playing around with the amounts I found myself getting around .4-.5" groups. I was amazed. I just didn't know if there were better options and if I should be trying something else?

oneounceload · April 27, 2010, 10:47 AM

One of the better powders, IMO, for the 7mm mag class of cartridges - gives me excellent groups with Sierra and Nosler 160 gr. bullets. (Of course, to be fair, so does IMR4350 and 7828.)

49willys · April 27, 2010, 10:50 AM

Ditto,I use it for a Barnes TSX load in my 7mm mag. very good shooting powder.

jtmckinney · April 27, 2010, 11:37 AM

It was the reccommended powder for 243 and 270 by the person whom advice I was following when I started reloading. It has been ideal in the 243 and acceptable in 270. I think the 270 would get better with more work. I also loaded 25-06 for a relative who wanted it loaded to Remington Core-Lock velocity and bullet design and got a good report back.

It also seems to always be availlable. I do not know how much is consummed compared to other powders but my guess is it is up there as one of the most popular for large sporting calibrer rifles.

Regards,
James

Sidewinder72 · April 27, 2010, 11:46 AM

I have a friend that uses IMR 4831 for 25-06 and 270, and swears by it. Me I use H4831 for both with great results. I think it is a personal preferance as to what powder you work up loads in. If that powder fails to perform, than time to use another powder.

c.j.sikes · April 27, 2010, 04:51 PM

i have been loading it for 50 years. 30-06, 270. 308 etc. i started when you could buy a 50 lb keg from hogdon fo 50 bucks. cjs

jaguarxk120 · April 27, 2010, 05:16 PM

They also sold it in smaller quanities. I have a one pound paper bag of 4831 they used to sell.

Shoney · April 27, 2010, 08:39 PM

I use it in 6mmRem; 243; 6.5x55; 270; 280; 300WinM; 338WinM. It gives very accurate loads while providing nearly the highest velocity, when comparing it to other accuracy/powder loads.

There are a few powders I have switched to which provide excellent accuracy but with less velocity. However, they are not as effected by temperature changes. Shooting prairie poodles in the high 90;s, and big game at below zero.

To compensate, I worked out my hunting loads with IMR 4831 in 20 degree weather. At 40 below, there is still a noticeable loss of velocity, even with the "temperature tollelrant" powders.

xd1984 · April 27, 2010, 08:41 PM

i have a great results with 4831. i use it in 30-06 in 150 and also 165 it is my most accurate loads 4 hornaday btsp and also sierra gmk. .5 or out of a stock abolt.

.284 · April 27, 2010, 08:50 PM

As it has been mentioned, I like the Hodgdon version better. Specifically, I like the H4831SC for two reasons. First, the shorter sticks meter a bit more consistently and second it is part of the extreme powder family from Hodgdon that non temperature sensitive.

Red_Eagle · April 27, 2010, 09:40 PM

My favorite powder for the 270 Winchester. I was using it in the 243 Winchester with decent results, but use hybrid 100V for that now.

cdoc42 · April 28, 2010, 12:15 AM

As I understand it, Hodgdon bought out IMR. So what can really be the difference betwen IMR 4831 and H4831?

.284 · April 28, 2010, 08:09 AM

Yes, you are correct. Infact, if you go to their website you will see that they own Winchester powders as well. As for the powders being the same, that is debatable. I understand H110 and W296 to be identical but some swear to the contrary. Look at some reloading data sources and see that some IMR and Hodgdon powders give identical charge weight and velocities while others differ slightly. On their website, IMR makes no mention of temperature sensitivity where Hogdgon does. I will tell you this, I would not use data for IMR with a Hodgdon powder.

GeauxTide · April 28, 2010, 11:30 AM

In my 7mmRM and 280, it gives best velocity with 140s and 150s.

TXJohn · April 28, 2010, 11:34 AM

I have always got better accuracy with Imr 4831 than H 4831,in the 270 win and 7mm mag. don't get me wrong they are both excellent powders but in my experience I have better luck with the Imr 4831.

chevy_dmax · April 28, 2010, 12:26 PM

I use imr-4831 in my 300 win mag. I had to work it right up to the max to get it to group. I'm still refining my load.

Bill.

tater134 · April 28, 2010, 02:15 PM

Ive been using IMR 4831 in my 8mm mauser loads and have gotten some impressive accuracy out of my long barreled Turk mausers.

johnjohn · April 28, 2010, 05:37 PM

I use it in .270 and get good results.

bobelk99 · April 28, 2010, 08:27 PM

Sometimes H works better, sometimes IMR works better. The difference in best charge weights usually is around .5 grains.

I use it for 7mm and up calibers.

I have some from Hodgdon that is 65 years old and fine for use.

Osageshooter · April 28, 2010, 09:29 PM

I use a lot of it. 270, 7 mag, 300 mag. Great powder and often gives the best accuracy for me.

BruceM · April 28, 2010, 11:49 PM

IMR4831 and H4831 are two different powders and load data is not interchangeable. IMR4831 has been excellent for me in my .270.

H110/W296 are now identical. Made in the same factory-different packaging. Ditto for HP38/W231. There are others. Even 35 years ago when H110 was a surplus propellant resold by Hodgdon and W296 was manufactured by Olin & sold by Winchester, the two were so close that data for them was, for all intents and purposes, identical. This is not the case with IMR4831 & H4831.

4831 is best for medium capacity '06 class cases with heavier bullets and belted magnums.

Bruce

cdoc42 · April 29, 2010, 05:31 PM

BruceM, are you talking "then" or "now?" In the past perhaps there was a sufficient difference between IMR 4831 and H4831 to avoid interchanging data. But even then, using the same powder from a different lot number required some alertness to explain why your usual loads are not giving the same accuracy as in the past.

If we see "no difference" today between H110 and W296 or HP38/W231 (since Hodgdon took over?), why should we suspect any difference between H4831 and IMR4831? Now, it may well be that the IMR production process is the same as in the past while H-series are using the temperature-change-resistance process, and Hodgdon doesn't want to upset any reloaders who have camped with IMR all these years, and that's all well and good. But I would welcome that information from Hodgdon and I have no doubt they would be perfectly willing to tell you. I just haven't needed to look into it because I've been in the Hodgdon camp for 30 years and I have no need for IMR 4831.

Pat T · April 29, 2010, 07:15 PM

Been using IMR 4831 for better than 25 years now in .30-06 with Nosler 180 grain BT & CCI mag primers. VERY accurate! Not posting the load because it's not listed in the manuals any more, my best accuracy came as max load (in 1985) was approached.

darkgael · April 29, 2010, 09:25 PM

IMR 4831.....very good in the .416 Rigby.
Pete

A_Gamehog · April 29, 2010, 09:31 PM

IMR 4831 is very good in my 30-06 in bullets < 180
Works well in the 300 WBY also.

April 27, 2010, 10:31 AM	#1
slowr1der Junior member Join Date: March 25, 2010 Posts: 169	Anyone use IMR 4831? Does anyone use IMR 4831? I almost never see it mentioned on here or anywhere else online. Is it not a good powder? Or is there a reason people don't usually talk about it? It's the first powder I've tried and am after playing around with the amounts I found myself getting around .4-.5" groups. I was amazed. I just didn't know if there were better options and if I should be trying something else?

April 27, 2010, 11:37 AM	#4
jtmckinney Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 490	Great Powder It was the reccommended powder for 243 and 270 by the person whom advice I was following when I started reloading. It has been ideal in the 243 and acceptable in 270. I think the 270 would get better with more work. I also loaded 25-06 for a relative who wanted it loaded to Remington Core-Lock velocity and bullet design and got a good report back. It also seems to always be availlable. I do not know how much is consummed compared to other powders but my guess is it is up there as one of the most popular for large sporting calibrer rifles. Regards, James __________________ “Government does few things well but it does them at great expense” Cal Thomas “When Government Can’t Be Trusted” 6/11/2013 When I am weaker than you, I ask you for freedom because that is according to your principles; When I am stronger than you, I take away your freedoms because that is according to my principles. Frank Herbert "Children of Dune"

April 27, 2010, 08:39 PM	#8
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	I use it in 6mmRem; 243; 6.5x55; 270; 280; 300WinM; 338WinM. It gives very accurate loads while providing nearly the highest velocity, when comparing it to other accuracy/powder loads. There are a few powders I have switched to which provide excellent accuracy but with less velocity. However, they are not as effected by temperature changes. Shooting prairie poodles in the high 90;s, and big game at below zero. To compensate, I worked out my hunting loads with IMR 4831 in 20 degree weather. At 40 below, there is still a noticeable loss of velocity, even with the "temperature tollelrant" powders. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

April 27, 2010, 08:50 PM	#10
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	As it has been mentioned, I like the Hodgdon version better. Specifically, I like the H4831SC for two reasons. First, the shorter sticks meter a bit more consistently and second it is part of the extreme powder family from Hodgdon that non temperature sensitive. __________________ Guns have only two enemies, rust and politicians! Deer are amazing creatures....so please don't burn the sauteed onions and I'll pass on the steak sauce, thank you.

April 27, 2010, 09:40 PM	#11
Red_Eagle Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2007 Location: Western NY Posts: 598	My favorite powder for the 270 Winchester. I was using it in the 243 Winchester with decent results, but use hybrid 100V for that now. __________________ My Calibers: 22 Hornet, 223 Rem, 22-250, 243 Win, 270 Win, 280 Remington Ackley Improved, 30-30, 308 Win, 30-06, 300 Winchester magnum, 7.62x39mm, 380 Auto, 9mm Parabellum, 38 Special, 357 magnum, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 GAP, 45 Auto, 12 & 20 Guage

April 27, 2010, 10:47 AM	#2
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	One of the better powders, IMO, for the 7mm mag class of cartridges - gives me excellent groups with Sierra and Nosler 160 gr. bullets. (Of course, to be fair, so does IMR4350 and 7828.)

April 27, 2010, 10:50 AM	#3
49willys Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2010 Posts: 158	Ditto,I use it for a Barnes TSX load in my 7mm mag. very good shooting powder.

April 27, 2010, 11:46 AM	#5
Sidewinder72 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 130	I have a friend that uses IMR 4831 for 25-06 and 270, and swears by it. Me I use H4831 for both with great results. I think it is a personal preferance as to what powder you work up loads in. If that powder fails to perform, than time to use another powder.

April 27, 2010, 04:51 PM	#6
c.j.sikes Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2006 Location: marlow okla Posts: 227	i have been loading it for 50 years. 30-06, 270. 308 etc. i started when you could buy a 50 lb keg from hogdon fo 50 bucks. cjs

April 27, 2010, 05:16 PM	#7
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	They also sold it in smaller quanities. I have a one pound paper bag of 4831 they used to sell.

April 27, 2010, 08:41 PM	#9
xd1984 Member Join Date: December 2, 2009 Location: garland tx Posts: 22	i have a great results with 4831. i use it in 30-06 in 150 and also 165 it is my most accurate loads 4 hornaday btsp and also sierra gmk. .5 or out of a stock abolt.

April 28, 2010, 12:15 AM	#12
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,693	As I understand it, Hodgdon bought out IMR. So what can really be the difference betwen IMR 4831 and H4831?

April 28, 2010, 08:09 AM	#13
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	cdoc42 Yes, you are correct. Infact, if you go to their website you will see that they own Winchester powders as well. As for the powders being the same, that is debatable. I understand H110 and W296 to be identical but some swear to the contrary. Look at some reloading data sources and see that some IMR and Hodgdon powders give identical charge weight and velocities while others differ slightly. On their website, IMR makes no mention of temperature sensitivity where Hogdgon does. I will tell you this, I would not use data for IMR with a Hodgdon powder. __________________ Guns have only two enemies, rust and politicians! Deer are amazing creatures....so please don't burn the sauteed onions and I'll pass on the steak sauce, thank you.

April 28, 2010, 11:30 AM	#14
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,426	In my 7mmRM and 280, it gives best velocity with 140s and 150s.

April 28, 2010, 11:34 AM	#15
TXJohn Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Location: Ft Worth TX Posts: 163	I have always got better accuracy with Imr 4831 than H 4831,in the 270 win and 7mm mag. don't get me wrong they are both excellent powders but in my experience I have better luck with the Imr 4831.

April 28, 2010, 12:26 PM	#16
chevy_dmax Junior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Posts: 8	I use imr-4831 in my 300 win mag. I had to work it right up to the max to get it to group. I'm still refining my load. Bill.

April 28, 2010, 02:15 PM	#17
tater134 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: NE,PA Posts: 390	Ive been using IMR 4831 in my 8mm mauser loads and have gotten some impressive accuracy out of my long barreled Turk mausers.

April 28, 2010, 05:37 PM	#18
johnjohn Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2009 Location: Baton Rouge La. Posts: 122	I use it in .270 and get good results.

April 28, 2010, 08:27 PM	#19
bobelk99 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Location: Central KY Posts: 220	4831 Sometimes H works better, sometimes IMR works better. The difference in best charge weights usually is around .5 grains. I use it for 7mm and up calibers. I have some from Hodgdon that is 65 years old and fine for use. __________________ "You have the rest of your life to solve your problems.. How long you live depends on how well you do it."

April 28, 2010, 09:29 PM	#20
Osageshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2009 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 179	I use a lot of it. 270, 7 mag, 300 mag. Great powder and often gives the best accuracy for me.

April 28, 2010, 11:49 PM	#21
BruceM Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2006 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 285	IMR4831 and H4831 are two different powders and load data is not interchangeable. IMR4831 has been excellent for me in my .270. H110/W296 are now identical. Made in the same factory-different packaging. Ditto for HP38/W231. There are others. Even 35 years ago when H110 was a surplus propellant resold by Hodgdon and W296 was manufactured by Olin & sold by Winchester, the two were so close that data for them was, for all intents and purposes, identical. This is not the case with IMR4831 & H4831. 4831 is best for medium capacity '06 class cases with heavier bullets and belted magnums. Bruce

April 29, 2010, 05:31 PM	#22
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,693	BruceM, are you talking "then" or "now?" In the past perhaps there was a sufficient difference between IMR 4831 and H4831 to avoid interchanging data. But even then, using the same powder from a different lot number required some alertness to explain why your usual loads are not giving the same accuracy as in the past. If we see "no difference" today between H110 and W296 or HP38/W231 (since Hodgdon took over?), why should we suspect any difference between H4831 and IMR4831? Now, it may well be that the IMR production process is the same as in the past while H-series are using the temperature-change-resistance process, and Hodgdon doesn't want to upset any reloaders who have camped with IMR all these years, and that's all well and good. But I would welcome that information from Hodgdon and I have no doubt they would be perfectly willing to tell you. I just haven't needed to look into it because I've been in the Hodgdon camp for 30 years and I have no need for IMR 4831.

April 29, 2010, 07:15 PM	#23
Pat T Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2009 Location: NW PA Posts: 109	Been using IMR 4831 for better than 25 years now in .30-06 with Nosler 180 grain BT & CCI mag primers. VERY accurate! Not posting the load because it's not listed in the manuals any more, my best accuracy came as max load (in 1985) was approached.

April 29, 2010, 09:25 PM	#24
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	IMR 4831.....very good in the .416 Rigby. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

April 29, 2010, 09:31 PM	#25
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	IMR 4831 is very good in my 30-06 in bullets < 180 Works well in the 300 WBY also. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course" Last edited by A_Gamehog; April 30, 2010 at 10:34 PM.